Dr. Schonna R. Manning is a phycologist working at the intersection of molecular biology and analytical chemistry whose research examines the dynamics of harmful algal blooms and proliferations. She is also interested in the immense potential of algae in biotechnology for carbon capture, remediation, and the synthesis of diverse bioproducts. Outside of the classroom, Dr. Manning oversees the Omics Facility for the Institute of Environment, an FIU preeminent program. She is committed to advancing algal sciences and works closely with colleagues across the globe in academia, local and federal agencies, and non-profit organizations. Dr. Manning serves on numerous editorial boards and contributes to the international scientific community through her service to the Phycological Society of America and the Algae Biomass Organization, including developing educational curricula for The Algae Foundation. Dr. Manning is currently the Vice President and President-Elect for the  Phycological Society of America.

Kevin Pinto is a recent graduate of Florida International University, working as a research assistant under Dr. Schonna R. Manning. Kevin graduated in the spring of 2023 with a bachelor's in marine biology and intends to continue his studies as a graduate student in the coming year. Outside of the lab, Kevin enjoys teaching music as a guitar and bass instructor. 

Alexander Grossman graduated from FIU in the Summer of 2025 with a B.S. in Biological Sciences. He joined the Manning Lab Team in hopes of building experience for his ultimate goal of researching climate change mitigation strategies, something he felt he had a duty to try. At the age of 16, he became a self-published author, and he currently holds an obscure calisthenics record. When not in the lab, he works on one of several longtime art projects. 

Kelly Jatib is an undergraduate student researcher at FIU double majoring in Biology and Marine Biology. She’s primarily interested in microbiology and mainly manages the culturing and isolation of algal strains for the lab. Her passion for tinier scale organisms was born from an admiration for larger-scale oceanic life and the global conditions surrounding them. She plans on graduating in the summer of 2025 and pursuing higher education in the future. In her free time, she enjoys graphic design and reading fantasy novels.

Carlos is an undergraduate researcher at FIU, currently pursuing a B.S. in Chemistry.  With a solid research background that spans microbiology, biochemistry, and biomedical sciences, Carlos has participated in various interdisciplinary projects since his first semester at FIU. He focuses on antimicrobial resistance research, exploring drug and protein delivery systems, as well as now has a strong passion for phycology research, which began after pursuing some plant fungal endophyte studies. He is currently exploring algal bioremediation processes and their applications in enhancing water quality. Outside of research, he enjoys going on nature walks or playing basketball. 

Reena Fernandes is an undergraduate researcher at FIU pursuing a bachelor’s in biology, specializing in Marine Biology and Environmental Studies. She’s primarily interested in coral ecology and deep-sea research, with her long-term goal of using algae to help rebuild coral reefs and remove harmful pollution from ocean waters. Outside of the lab, she enjoys baking and using her extensive background in aquaculture, horticulture, and animal sciences, which she's acquired from her many unexpected adventures in animal rescues.

Kevin Thompson is an undergraduate Marine Biology major at FIU and is local to Miami, Florida. He was inspired as a child reading books on sharks and penguins, and he hopes to one day work with Antarctic marine life. He was originally pursuing a Biology degree in Baltimore, Maryland, but wanted more spark, so he enrolled in the FIU Marine Biology program. Learning more about the world of algae sparked Kevin's attention, and he will explore how this small world affects our daily lives.

Meet Yilan Lin, known in the gaming world as Catttsby. Her research passions lie in the realm of diatoms, with a keen focus on unraveling how algae serve as valuable bioindicators. Beyond her scientific pursuits, she finds solace in playing the piano and admiring algal artistry, all while savoring the delights of algae-based cuisine. When it comes to favorite animals, she has a soft spot for emperor penguins, wombats, hamsters, and capybaras. 

Dr. Gabrielle Maciel is a Brazilian phycologist whose work is guided by a deep fascination with the microscopic world of diatoms. She holds a B.Sc. in Biological Sciences from Universidade Estadual Vale do Acaraú (2018), an M.Sc. in Botany from Universidade Federal do Paraná (2021), and a Ph.D. in Continental Aquatic Biology from Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (2026), including a doctoral fellowship at the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST). In the Manning Lab, Dr. Maciel's work will focus on microalgae from Biscayne Bay, while also contributing to emerging projects in the lab. She will integrate taxonomy, ecology, and limnology to better understand how multiple environmental stressors shape microalgal communities and influence biodiversity patterns in aquatic ecosystems. Gabrielle is driven by curiosity, careful observation, and a commitment to collaborative science. Outside the lab, she finds inspiration in natural landscapes, remains enthusiastic about learning more about crafting, plant care, and watercoloring, and has a well-known affection for both diatoms and cats. 

Afeefa Abdool-Ghany, Ph.D.

Postdoctoral Associate

Pedro Perez, B.S. Bio / Marine Bio

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Katherine A. Perri, Ph.D.

Postdoctoral Associate

Carolina Lahoz, Marine Bio

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Keith Sellers, B.S. Marine Bio / Chemistry

Research Assistant

Anna Nesterovich, Ph.D.

Postdoctoral Associate